Hello Run Tucson friends!

We've received many emails thanking us for sending out information on public lands a couple of weeks ago.

While severe cuts to National Parks and other public lands are still on the table, we're grateful that so many members of our running community have contributed to the national conversations about the federal budget, federal funding, and other issues that affect us as runners.

While we received about 20 notes of appreciation, one of you wrote that we should not be so divisive by making everything about politics, because, the author noted, "running is not political."

Gosh, we wish that were true. But it's not. Political decisions impact our world as runners, including when it comes to health care, injuries, and medical knowledge.

Injuries: Some statistics indicate that at any given moment, 25% of all self-identified runners are injured and that upwards of 50% to 75% of runners sustain an injury during the course of a calendar year, mostly due to overuse.

Where do you go when you're injured? Your local urgent care? Your local hospital? Your local specialist? How do you pay for it? Health insurance? Medicare? Medicaid? Out of pocket?

OBBBA Vote: In the coming hours and days, the House of Representatives are due to vote on the Senate version of what may graciously be called the OBBBA.

As runners, we're concerned about the possible cuts to Medicaid because we think this will negatively impact the experience of all runners and walkers. As the American Medical Association indicates, "Hospitals will be forced to cut staffing. Urgent Care clinics will no longer take insurance. Access to ACA will be curtailed and insurance rates will rise for all."

Closer to home here in Arizona, the University of Arizona's Center for Rural Health estimates that between 330,000 - 520,000 Arizonans could lose coverage if the proposed federal cuts are enacted.

This is real . . . and the ripple impact will hurt the running and fitness communities.

Medical Research: You know what else is hurting the running and fitness communities? Cuts to medical research.

Surely, you've all read about cuts to Universities and cuts to NIH and cuts to medical research. While this bill does not specifically address NIH cuts, we think our voices need to be heard.

How does that affect you as runners? Of course, cancer, Alzheimers, infectious diseases, and other major medical concerns will affect all of us, in one way or another. But these research cuts are devastating to research that helps you with injury prevention and treatment, performance indicators, and real-life physical outcomes.

What can the running community do? Sway public opinion. Tell your friends how important medical care is to you personally. Engage with the public conversation about medical care and medical research.

If you're up for it, tell your members of Congress (and Senate) that medical care is important to you, personally. Here's how to find your Congressional representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

OK -- that's enough of this for now. Best wishes for a safe and healthy summer wherever you are,

Randy and Tia Accetta

randy@runtucson.net | tia@runtucson.net | www.runtucson.net

Best wishes for a safe and healthy July Fourth weekend

Join the Southern Arizona Roadrunners on an exhilarating run through the Cactus Forest, a surreal landscape of towering saguaros at the base of the rugged Rincon Mountains.

Capped at 750 total participants. Free race shirt for all registrants with the option of purchasing additional souvenir medal.

Prize money for course records, age group from the Running Shop, a souvenir shirt, and post-race fun for all. Your race entry provides a day pass into Saguaro National Park.

The race is produced by SAR, whose original founders created the race back in 1971. SAR members earn points towards SAR's Running Shop/Mizuno Grand Prix.

See www.runsar.org for their schedule of fall events, membership details, and info on other SAR activities.

Current Pricing: $50 for both 8-miler and 5k, with National Park Pass or SAR member discount

Run inspired by the beauty of the Painted Hills and the majesty of the Tucson Mountains, with panoramic views of the Tucson Basin. 

The first 1000 registrants receive a souvenir medal and race shirt. Approximately 400 slots remain.

Finishers receive snacks, drinks, prize money, Running Shop Age Group Prizes, DJ Clint, and more.

SAR members earn points towards SAR's Running Shop/Mizuno Grand Prix.

Current Pricing: $45 for both the 10k and 5k

Run or walk A-Mountain, with new staging along Cushing, near the Mercado Annex

The first 1000 half-marathon and 4-mile registrants receive a souvenir medal and race shirt. Approximately 400 slots remain.

Plus discounted beer at Westbound, snacks, drinks, prize money, Running Shop/Mizuno Grand Prix, Running Shop Age Group Prizes, and more.

Current Pricing: $75 for the Half-Marathon, $40 for the 4-Miler.

We just announced the addition of a Marathon distance, so come up to Northern Arizona and enjoy a beautiful run along the Coconino Plateay in the Kaibab National Forest

We're keeping prices low, so make your plans to join us at this grand vacation race near the spectacular South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Race shirt + souvenir finishers medal and free beer for all registrants! Plus a fundraising pancake breakfast, local tourist discounts, local lodging discounts, prize money, age group awards, and more!

Current Pricing: $80 for the Marathon, $80 for the Half-Marathon, $40 for the 5k, $10 for the Kids 5k.

Price increase July 5th.

Capped at 600 participants. Approximately 250 slots remain.

Once again partnering with the famed El Tour de Tucson bicycle event, Run Tucson is proud to present the 3rd Annual El Tour 5k Run/Walk.

An event designed for all ages, all abilities, and all bodies! 

A slight course change will lead to faster times! Details coming soon!

Every finisher in this chip-timed 5K will receive a souvenir medallion as they cross the finish line. 

You can walk the 3.1 mile Downtown course or you can race it, with overall winners and age-group winners receiving gift cards to Fleet Feet Tucson. Souvenir shirts available for purchase.

Current Pricing: $25

Contact RRCA and USATF-Certified Coach Tia Accetta for information on summer group runs or individual coaching: tia@runtucson.net

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